Piz Galin Dolomiti di Brenta

For this sensational cycloalpine trip we start from Andalo, where we park taking via Pradel reaching Pian del Sarnacli. We start on beautiful forestry that with a few short pushing sections on a short but steep path in 4 km and 500 meters of positive elevation gain takes us to the malga Dagnola Bassa. Here ends the segment that we can call pedalable because then, except for short stretches, it is mostly push and shoulder. Behind the Dagnola Bassa the trail proceeds climbing first in the meadow then in the woods until it reaches the Dagnola Alta malga. The scenery now opens up as the forest gives way to alpine meadow and the eye can sweep. We climb without delay to Tovo Valon where several paths converge for the return to the valley.

We continue up the beautiful valley that takes us to the Dagnola Pass as the map reads or Piz Galin Pass as I found marked. Now it gets a little more complicated, via the Carlo Alberto Banal mountaineering trail we climb 300 meters of elevation gain with a development of only 600 linear meters, so definitely steep. I rode it once downhill with bike at my side suffering not a little and dismounting the wheels of the bike. I must note that this expedient greatly facilitated maneuvering in the narrow and especially in the short equipped segment.

Then the apotheosis, an unprecedented and spectacular balcony to admire the Brenta massif in its entirety from the most difficult side, less comfortable and wild but of incomparable beauty. You now descend on steep scree with no clear path, a free and most enjoyable ride, free of exaggerated risks, although caution must never fail.

This fun game lasts for 300 meters of elevation gain, then a non-cycling scree forces us to descend with bikes alongside for at least 200 meters of elevation gain before we start cycling for real again and this time all the way back to the car with much, much fun. Excursion recommended for lovers of the genre, who are not afraid to push and shovel their bikes uphill and accompany them for a few stretches downhill as well. The Carlo Alberto Banal mountaineering trail while not particularly difficult requires a minimum of mountaineering experience and familiarity on the steep to ride it safely and with the right amount of fun.